Human memory

A great detail of controversy has surrounded the phenomenon of "false memory syndrome" and the implications that this has had in our society, particularly in legal realm. One of the most influential psychologists in the area of memory and eye witness testimony is Dr. Elizabeth Loftus, who has spent three decades as a research psychologist and memory expert in legal cases. To learn more about the controversy surrounding "false memory syndrome," visit the Online LA Weekly site at
http://www.laweekly.com/ink/04/39/features-abramsky.php to read the article, "Memory and Manipulation."

Based on your reading of this article and information in the course textbook, respond to the following questions:

Why is human memory subject to error?

What might influence human memory?

In light of the points that the Loftus article brings up, what kind of implications do the limitations of human memory have on eye-witness testimony?

Solution Preview

Hello;

It is my pleasure to assist you with some notes today. Your posting asks for clarification of a few issues surrounding human memory and why it is subject to error. My notes include my own knowledge, coupled with the research conducted by various scholars in the field and summarized by the article authored by Sasha Abramsky.

Why is human memory subject to error and what might influence human memory?

We know that that human is an incredibly complex entity, of which we are just beginning to truly understand. We also understand that the average human taps a minute percentage of that actual capability of the brain's ability to perform. With that knowledge in mind, psychologists for decades have been interested in tapping into the potential of the brain in various ways. One of the concepts that have been explored are how the brain stores short and long term memories for later ...

Solution Summary

A summary of the limitations of human memory and how it can often be unreliable, particularly in a court of law.